Just moved to Orinda and stumbled on a total hidden gem! It's not your typical café, but that's what makes it great. They've got a really solid lineup of grab-and-go meals, drinks, and snacks that actually taste fresh. Everything I've tried so far has been super flavorful and clearly made with quality ingredients. What really sets them apart though are the take-and-bake meals. You can order ahead, bring it home, and have a legit, home-cooked-style dinner without the hassle. Perfect for busy weekdays! The owners are incredibly friendly and you can tell they genuinely care about what they're putting out. They also run a catering business, which makes total sense once you try the food. If you're local and haven't checked it out yet, you're missing out. read more

Sandwich was simple and delicious and the chocolate chip cookie was one of the best I've had in the bay!

Today I popped in because I had a few minutes and wanted something delicious , nutritious and home made - I had the quinoa chick peas on a bed green salad with a side of chicken and it was everything listed above. The service was courteous and friendly , I love. The large tables to share with whoever especially as I stepped in as a singleton. Parking can be tricky so don't be phased by the muscles out in front of the second hand shop store (of all the places ... Orinda an a second hand store employ this and what this to be their front of house - tut tut such a bad look) anyways this is not Genuine Goodness ' fault and you just park ANYWHERE where it is legal in the whole parking lot. You won't regret it. read more

I really like the TABS, the cookies and the granola. Very fresh and made with healthy ingredients. Unfortunately, I had a less than pleasant experience and won't be ordering from Genuine Goodness anymore. Last month I placed a large cookie order , which was expensive. I called the night before pick up and left a message to let them know I would not be able to pick it up because I had cellulitis in my eyelids, causing blurry vision. I also sent 2 emails. CRICKETS...I never received a response from anyone from Genuine Goodness. Today I sent another message to the phone number listed. Finally...4 weeks later, received a response from someone saying that they threw away my cookies because I never showed up. I am/was a repeat customer. I guess they don't need the business ‍I wish they would've taken the time to call, it would've solved the problem. The person who responded, said, "Sorry for the lack of response-I did get your emails. You also ordered Granola, that we can provide for you." My response, Don't worry about the granola, thanks. read more

Unfortunately this place looks nothing like the Yelp page. The food is literally 1 fridge with premade sandwiches and 1 salad. Maybe the food is good but there wasn't enough of it to tell-mostly the stars are for misrepresenting yourself as a restaurant rather than a grab n go fridge. What a disappointment read more

Their sandwiches are getting skimpier. I got a ham sandwich a couple of weeks ago and it literally had one slice of ham on it. But for some reason I keep coming back (few quick sandwich options in the vicinity). Today my turkey sandwich had 2 thin slices of turkey on it. read more

Sat on the "cafe" side. I had the tuna salad with lots of greens, tasty dressing, and minimal Mayo. It was yummy. My friend had the chicken salad and finished it. Since this is a grab-and-go spot, the cafe was quiet, so we were able to relax and chat. Only downside for me was the amount of plastic used (containers, utensils, etc.) read more

This place's name sums it up, it is GENUINELY GOOD! This place is tucked away at the end of a strip mall, it is a hidden gem in Orinda. I'm new to the area and thought this place fit my needs for quick takeout lunch before my meeting. I got the Curry Chicken Cous Cous which was very filling with lots of chicken, almonds, cous cous, lettuce and raisins. I loved it and met my expectations for lunch salad. I got to eat inside. It is small but a lovely setting for a meeting with a girlfriend or to hang out. Also cool to hear the lovely British accent from the cashier, an added bonus. I want to go back to try the Vietnamese salad! read more

Genuine Goodness - Curry Chicken Cous Cous - Soup Near Me - Orinda, California

Want to love this place because the sandwiches are actually good, but the way this place is set up is weird. Customer service is basically nonexistent and unless you've been here before, you'll just have to learn how to pay for things as you go. Usually there's nobody there to ring you up and you need to flag a worker down from the other side of the "restaurant" to pay for their meals. Sometimes someone is there, but unlikely. Prepare to wait even if you're the only customer. At least with Safeway you can literally grab and go, whereas here you'll grab your sandwich and just wait. read more

Love this place so much! Fun little spot in Orinda that keeps evolving and has so many delicious food options and now dish-ware, etc. Definitely recommend grabbing a soup and salad or sandwich for lunch! Great smoothies too. read more

This is a great spot in Orinda to grab a fresh salad or sandwich. Service is friendly.

My husband and I stopped in for sandwiches. Everything there is pre-made which they call Grab and Go. I had the Coronation Chicken and my husband had the Tarragon Chicken. They were delicious and the prices were reasonable. We also had a Southwestern Salad which was good but I thought it could use more corn and black beans. I understand that food costs are really high. They have a few tables to eat in. They also have Take and Bake dinners which I want to try. I think those have to be pre-ordered. We will be back even though it's a bit of a drive for us. read more

Genuine Goodness - Cozy place to hang out. They have regular tables too. The place feels very clean. - Soup Near Me - Orinda, California

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Perfect grab and go food for lunch! I started working in Orinda 2 years ago and there are not a lot of options for a quick meal. It's not a restaurant, it's literally a little shop in the corner that has a fridge. Depending on the time of day, it will have more or less of the daily menu items. I love their sandwhiches. The one's I have tried are the tuna salad sandwhich, turkey brie and fig jam, and their chicken salad sandwhich. I plan to try their soups soon. For a sandwhich and chips it comes out to be around $12.00, which is a great price. Any other lunch spot at Orinda, I always plan to pay the minimum $17-$20 and place my order online or through the phone so that it is ready for me to pick up. Of course you can go down to Safeway to get a sandwhich, but their sandwhiches are always made sloppy and the ingredients are just not up the standards as Genuine Goodness. I am also not a huge sandwhich person, however the sandwhiches here are perfectly light, yet tasty and give me energy. read more

Who would have thought that I would find this gem (thanks to Yelp) tucked in the back of a strip mall? The first time I came in, I was warmly greeted by someone who very excitedly told me that she's just put out a Thai Chicken Salad that was so great. Sure, I thought. Why not. And it was one of the best salads I've ever had. No seriously. The second time I came here I went for the Tuna Salad. I know it's not a salad that everyone likes but I actually do. And it was one of the best Tuna Salads I've had. This time I also got the Chinese Chicken Salad for my husband and he didn't even look up from his box while he ate. Because salads tend to be something I can make at home, I really don't go out and buy them very often. But I admit that I will continue grabbing lunch salads from Genuine Goodness. And I clearly need to try the soup. read more

Just stopped and had THE best sandwich I have ever had and I work at a deli! And the young lady who ran the place was lovely. Gotta try the cookies too, amazing read more

Good food and so easy to pick up. I've gone here several times to grab lunch for lunch meetings, and it has something simple and delicious for everyone. read more

We had the leek potato and gorgonzola soup this week, and I'm not exaggerating when I say it was probably the best soup I've ever had. The homemade bread along side was also great. The take and bakes are such a convenient idea. Can't believe we waited so long to try this place, so glad to have it nearby! read more

Genuine Goodness is "genuinely" a 5 PLUS stars catering business! Diane and Anna are truly delightful, making giving a party for 20 easy. Diane was creative in choosing side platters for the barbequed flank steak the we were making for the 20 people. The food was delivered not only on time but even a bit early, the different dishes were beautifully presented, and most importantly, the food was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend Genuine Goodness for your catering needs!!!!!! read more

Have been back two more times for lunch. Pea soup and the Turkey Brie sandwich. Pea soup very salty and hard bits of peas. Sandwich was ok, a bit dry. Had broccoli cheese soup today. Again, very salty and we tossed. Had the Coronation Chicken sandwich and that was great. Perfect mild flavor of curry. Told they don't make scones now so that's a bummer. Also had a white chocolate/macadamia nut cookie today and that was delicious. Chewy with crunchy edges. Not sure we will be back given the overly salty soups. read more

If you're looking for an easy way to feed your family without having to cook, the take and bakes are the way to go! Easy to follow instructions, generous portions and delicious food. We absolutely loved the Beef Wellington and Pulled pork meals. It was a nice treat not to have to cook but still felt like a good home cooked meal being served. Definitely will be going back for more. The cafe lunch menu is great too. Homemade bread, hearty and flavorful salads. My favorite is the turkey with chili jam and Brie and the farro salad with feta. read more

I've been here about five times now, and I'm already thinking about when I'll return. Their constantly changing menu is wide enough that no matter what day it is, there is always something that looks excellent. I've had their taco salad (several times), pineapple curry chicken rice bowl, smoothie, and today a tuna sandwich. It's also one of the few locations in the area where you can have a healthy meal for a reasonable price. Furthermore, all of the people here are pleasant and patient. read more

Updating as we are experiencing strange times but Diane and Donna are plugging away feeding us with such delectables as Beef Wellington, Nigella Lawsons Fish Pie, Butter Chicken etc etc. If you don't want to go to shopping for the last piece of questionable chicken; order the tabs... it is so so worth it and very reasonably priced! read more

First time and I am excited to come back. The coconut turmeric soup is a must. Lots of fresh options- mostly grab and go but they have a cute sitting area too. read more

Really fresh ingredients and friendly service! Grateful to have a place like this in our community!

Just enjoyed a delicious, healthy, satisfying lunch picked up on the go from Genuine Goodness. This diamond in the rough is not as well-known or appreciated by our Orinda community as it deserves. Their wonderful food is grounded in wholesome healthy ingredients with international flair and flavors from Greek to Vietnamese and everything in between. If you are looking for quick sandwich, salad or soup for lunch pickup give Genuine Goodness a try. read more

Delicious! Menu changes daily for soup, sandwiches & grain bowls. Fresh & yummy food that hits the spots and makes you feel good too. read more

Genuine Goodness - Soup Near Me - Orinda, California

When your 3 year old requests Green Machine after school, you know this place is good! Love!!! read more

Genuine Goodness - When your 3 year old requests Green Machine drink after school, you know it's good! - Soup Near Me - Orinda, California

I cannot speak more highly of the take and bake meals we have had delivered! Everything was delicious and they use fresh quality ingredients. The chicken and egg salads are also my faves. Additionally, the staff was an absolute delight and very knowledgeable about the ingredients in each dish. Run, don't walk to get yours today! read more

I work a few miles from this lovely little spot, otherwise I'd be here EVERY DAY. It's that good. Everything is lovingly and skillfully handcrafted from high-quality ingredients. From their house-baked bread to hearty, healthy soups to delightful baked goods, there are no bad choices. Tuna salad is a homely offering that takes me back to my "no meat on Fridays" childhood. Not the sexy choice on any menu, let's be frank. Genuine Goodness' tuna sandwich (or even better, the tuna melt!) is to me what Remy's ratatouille is to Anton Ego. Sublime. Their grab-n-go salads are so well made, I eat every piece of lettuce. Because -- no gross lettuce! Not one yucky piece. A little thing, after all, but the care with which their foods are prepared is top-shelf. It's as if your best friend is feeding you (and she's a better cook than you are). Everything is fresh, there are many vegetarian options, and even simple sandwiches are perfection -- this is healthy, delicious, beautiful food, presented with gracious service. We've also used GG for catering, and everyone in the conference was smitten. Call your order in. It's tiny. Love, love, love Genuine Goodness! read more

Excellent restaurant and service. Went with family and friends for an amazing evening out.

We've really been enjoying the TAB's (Take and Bake) from Genuine Goodness, but the lasagna we had this week was especially delicious. My whole family agreed it was the best lasagna we'd ever had! Very light and fluffy, with spinach and ricotta. We love TABS because they're partially cooked, so when you bring them home and heat for dinner, they're incredibly fresh (better than pre-cooked take out that cools before you get it home). Thank you Genuine Goodness for making dinner easy and delicious. read more

GG (may I call you that?) where have you been all of my married and parenting life! After close to a year of fast food take out during the pandemic for this two job parent home we stumbled upon you and you have made our lives healthier and tastier. And can't beat the price point even with delivery! Love this place. Don't plan on stopping our 2-3 times a week delivery anytime soon! Thank you from my family! read more

Their foods remind me of my mom's Tuesday night dinner. Comfortable but elevated. ! I love their smoothies, and baking goods, the orinda's best. Moreover, the owner of the place is a real sweetheart! read more

We used Genuine Goodness for catering a work lunch for 12 people. We pre-ordered assorted sandwiches, a quinoa salad and cookies for pick up. Simple but delicious. Everyone enjoyed their lunch. Really great food! And, the ladies at Genuine Goodness were delightful to work with. Easy, accommodating and beyond pleasant. I would use them again in a heartbeat. Well done! read more

I love this quaint place. Their food is fresh and delightful. They have healthy foods as well as comfort foods. They have the best baked goods in Orinda. The owner makes everything from scratch and they do cater as well. I have had lovely Christmas cakes made for one of my annual parties and they were delightful and a big hit ar the party. They are one of the best places in Orinda. read more

I just discovered this incredibly quaint place for lunch today. The owner is British and they have so many incredible choices on offer. By far the best quick lunch spot in Orinda if not the East Bay. Incredibly friendly service and products such as Chutneys and Lemon Curds and even a Branston Pickle sandwich, all of which remind me of my 5 1/2 years spent in the UK. The prices are SUPER reasonable, incredibly so and they freshly bake pastries, breads, and so many other things too. Tasty smoothies and soups, sandwiches made on their own homemade rolls, and salads. Did I mention it was quaint and had a warm homey feeling to it? It reminds me of some afternoon tea place you would find in the English countryside. read more

I like this restaurant not only their delicious foods but also the clean area and very approachable staffs.

Love this place. Very small town feel. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I had an egg salad sandwich with a Bai antioxidant (pomegranate). The bread and egg salad was very fresh and delicious. I would definitely recommend. read more

Great food. Really nice woman running it. Will definitely be going back there - a wonderful source of healthy "home-cooked" food for busy people to pick up and enjoy. Cute eat-in area too. read more

What a gem - we are so lucky to have Genuine Goodness in Orinda. They are serving up delicious Take and Bake meals with a great menu that features a different delicious meal each day. Just tried them tonight and LOVED the Lemon Ricotta Baked Pasta Shells with Roasted veggies, a side salad, and apricot bars for dessert. I also screwed up and forgot to pick up my meal but they called me before close and I was able to run over to pick up in time (huge thanks to the nice gentleman who helped me at pickup). They also deliver. Signing up for my next take and bake meal right now! Yum! read more